Drone Electrolyte Docking for Extended Metal-Air Flight Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial drones powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries face limitations in flight time and range, especially with heavy payloads, and existing solutions like internal combustion engines or fuel cells introduce weight and safety concerns due to onboard storage of flammable liquids and gases.
Innovation Solution
A metal air battery electrolyte replenishment system with a base station and docking probe allows for rapid exchange of electrolyte while the drone is in flight or during a brief landing, eliminating the need for onboard reconditioning systems and associated weight, using a dual bladder system and pumps for efficient electrolyte management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are used to power drones, then the drone can operate with reasonable weight, but the flight time and range are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into two separate components: a lightweight aluminum air battery module on the drone and a ground-based electrolyte replenishment station. This segmentation allows the drone to carry minimal electrolyte while the bulk is stored on the ground, extending flight duration without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A docking probe with fluid coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the drone and ground station, enabling rapid electrolyte transfer during flight or brief landings. This mediator facilitates continuous operation without requiring the drone to carry full electrolyte reserves.
2Length of moving object
If internal combustion engines or fuel cells are installed on drones to increase range, then flight range improves, but weight and safety concerns increase due to onboard storage of flammable liquids and gases
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous electrolyte storage is extracted from the drone and relocated to the ground-based replenishment station. Only minimal electrolyte is carried onboard, eliminating the safety hazards of storing large quantities of flammable or reactive materials while maintaining extended range capability through ground-based refueling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable or easily replaceable electrolyte cartridges in the drone that can be rapidly exchanged at the ground station. This approach avoids the need for complex onboard reconditioning systems and eliminates safety concerns associated with storing large amounts of reactive electrolyte onboard.
3Device complexity
If a metal air battery operates in batch mode, then the battery system is simpler and lighter, but the power output reduces over time
Solution Approach 1:
The battery operates in periodic cycles of discharge and rapid electrolyte replenishment. During flight, the battery discharges power while periodically docking with the ground station for quick electrolyte exchange, maintaining consistent power output throughout extended operations without requiring complex onboard processing systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution extends the range and flight time of drones without increasing weight or complexity, enabling continuous operation by rapidly replenishing electrolytes, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump for pumping electrolyte from the at least one drain hole to an electrolyte storage tank
Implementation Method 2
a feed pump for pumping electrolyte from an electrolyte tank to the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A metal air battery electrolyte replenishment system comprised of a base station with docking receptor apparatus and matching docking probe on a flying drone. The probe onboard the drone has a sensor that guides the drone to connect with the electrolyte docking receptor on the base station. The drone uses the probe to obtain fresh electrolyte and simultaneously expel spent electrolyte into the base station while still in flight or during a brief landing. Rapid exchange of the electrolyte allows for extended range and flight time without penalty of onboard electrolyte reconditioning system and its associated weight.